Matchbook with pull matches

ABSTRACT

A matchbook has a paperboard comb of matches sandwiched between longitudinally extending panels of a paperboard cover which is folded over the ignition heads of the matches. Separated ends of the matches opposite to the match ignition heads form pull tabs, and unseparated portions of the comb adjacent the pull tabs form tear portions. An igniting strip extends across the inside of the folded paperboard cover adjacent the pull tab ends of the matches while the paperboard cover is secured together on lateral edges of the match comb. Tabs are formed in the cover longitudinally along selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches to retain unused matches within the matchbook.

[ June 24, 1975 1 1 MATCHBOOK WITH PULL MATCHES Edwin H. Roth, 321 Rear Adelia St., Middletown, Pa. 17057 [22] Filed: Dec. 19, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 426,354

[76] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl. 206/98; 206/99; 206/100; 206/103 [51 Int. Cl A24f 27/20; A24f 27/00 [58] Field of Search 206/100, 98, 99, 103, 475. 206/472 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 831.021 9/1906 Van Dcuscn 206/100 2,002,051 5/1935 Boutillon i 206/99 2018970 10/1935 Parkcr 206/98 2039.491 5/1936 Nolan 206/100 2,279.893 4/1942 Ross ct al. i 2.06/103 2,284.032 5/1942 Bergman ct a1 206/103 2.532.440 12/1950 Buick 206/99 2,771.183 11/1956 Carter ..206/98 Primary Examin'erWilliam T. Dixson, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or Firm-OBrien & Marks 5 7 ABSTRACT A matchbook has a paperboard comb of matches sandwiched between longitudinally extending panels of a paperboard cover which is folded over the ignition heads of the matches. Separated ends of the matches opposite to the match ignition heads form pull tabs, and unseparated portions of the comb adjacent the pull tabs form tear portions. An igniting strip extends across the inside of the folded paperboard cover adjacent the pull tab ends of the matches while the paperboard. cover is secured together on lateral edges of the match comb. Tabs are formed in the cover longitudinally along selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches to retain unused matches within the matchbook.

22' Claims, 11 Drawing Figures SHEET PATENTEDJUN 24 I 15 iltillllll SHEET FIG? 92 9s 97 ii PATENTEIJJ M 24 m5 WQTW PAIENTEnJumms, 229L083 SHEET 3 FIG. 8

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MATCHBOOK WITH PULL MATCHES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to packages of safety type paperboard matches, and in particular, to paper matchbooks having matches joined in a comb between a folded cover such that the matches may be individually pulled out lengthwise or longitudinally from the cover igniting each individual match as it is pulled out.

2. Description of the Prior Art The prior art, as exemplified by US. Pat. Nos. 1,912,957, 2,303,287, 2,405,865, 2,532,440, 2,935,184, and 3,536,188, discloses a number of paperboard matchbooks including matchbooks wherein matches may be individually pulled out longitudinally from a folded cover which has an internal igniting strip for igniting an ignition head on the match. Many of the prior art matchbooks utilize arrangements of matches which cannot be manufactured using manufacturing equipment of the type presently employed in the large scale manufacture of paper matchbooks. Other prior art matchbooks, including the common fold open matchbook, are deficient in safety in that the match must be engaged by a finger during ignition, the unused matches are exposed to ignition sparks and can be readily ignited causing a large dangerous flame, or the matches may be readily ignited by small children. Further, some of the prior art pull matchbooks employ arrangements which are subject to having a plurality or all of the matches pulled from the package at the same time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is summarized in that a matchbook includes a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said plurality of matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the pull tabs, a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb, an igniting strip on the inside of the folded paperboard cover transverse to the plurality of matches and adjacent the other ends of the matches, and said paperboard cover having a plurality of tabs cut therein to extend longitudinally along selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches,

An object of the invention is to construct a matchbook wherein individual matches are ignited within a closed cover allowing the ignition of the match without contact of a finger against an igniting head of the match.

Another object of the invention is to provide a matchbook wherein unused matches remain covered and are protected against exposure to sparks from an igniting match.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a paper matchbook containing matches which cannot be readily removed and ignited by children.

A further object of the invention is to provide a matchbook with indicia which is exposed by removal of the matches. I

One particular advantage of the invention is that glued tab portions of the cover substantially support and retain non-removed matches within the book of the matches allowing removal of only selected ones of the matches. 7

Additional features of the invention include the provision of tear strip portions joining adjacent matches having a shear strength in the range from one-half to one times the tensile strength of a respective pull tab; the provision ofa plurality of edge tabs on the cover extending over and corresponding to the pull tabs formed on the ends of matches; the provision of a plurality of foldable cover tabs cut intermediate the ends of the matches with ends of the tabs extending toward the head ends of the matches and glued thereto; the provision of forming adjacent pull tabs having different lengths; and the provision of windows within the paperboard cover with indicia adapted to be exposed through the windows when the matches are pulled from the cover.

Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa matchbook in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with portions of the matchbook removed and peeled back.

FIG. 3 is a cross section view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a detail cross section view ofa'portion of the view shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of the assembly of the matchbook shown in FIG. 1.

FIG, 6 is a detailed view of a portion of the matchbook shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating a first step in the pulling of a match from the matchbook.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIGS. 3 and 7 but illustrat' ing a second step in the pulling of a match from the matchbook.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIGS. 3, 7 and 8 but illustrating the completion of the pulling of a match from the matchbook.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the matchbook shown in FIG. 1 after several matches have been removed.

FIG. 11 is a cross section view taken along lines 11-l I in FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT dicated generally at 25 and 26. The panels 21 and 22 cover ignition heads 27 of the match combs 25 and 26 and extend longitudinally along the matches in the match combs while being secured together by staples 28 and 29 on lateral edges of the match combs 25 and 26.

The match combs 25 and 26 are formed of paperboard with head portions 27 of a suitable safety match material. As shown in FIG. 5, the match comb 25 has longitudinal cuts forming matches 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 3o, 37, 38 and 39 while the match comb 26 has similar longitudinal cuts forming matches 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 and 49. Uncut portions 51 between adjoining matches 30 through 49 join the matches 30 through 49 into the respective combs and 26. Opposite to the heads 27, the matches 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 have respective long pull tabs 60, 61, 62, 63 and 64, the matches 31, 33, 35, 37 and 39 have respective short pull tabs 65, 66, 67, 68 and 69, the matches 41, 43, 45, 47 and 49 have respective long pull tabs 70, 71, 72, 73 and 74, and the matches 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48 have respective short pull tabs 75, 76, 77, 78 and 79. The uncut portions 51 between the respective matches through 49 are designed to have a shear strength which is in the range from one-half to one times the tensile strength of each of the tabs through 79. The match combs 25 and 26 have alternate matches 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 41 43, 45, 47 and 49 which extend slightly outward from the respective sides or upper and lower faces of the match combs 25 and 26.

The panel 21 has longitudinal cuts forming long tabs 90, 91, 92, 93 and 94 in alignment with the respective tabs 60, 61, 62, 63 and 64 of the match comb 25 and short tabs 95, 96, 97, 98 and 99 aligned with the short tabs 65, 66, 67, 68 and 69 of the comb 25. Similarly, the panel 22 has longitudinal cuts forming long tabs 100, 101, 102, 103 and 104 aligned with the respective long tabs 70, 71, 72, 73 and 74 of the comb 26, and short tabs 105, 106, 107, 108 and 109 aligned with the respective short tabs 75, 76, 77, 78 and 79 of the comb 26. A transverse perforated or scored line 111 is formed in the panel 21 across the base of the tabs 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97 and 98 where they join the remaining portion of the panel 21 so that they may be easily torn from the panel 21. Similarly a perforated or scored line 113 extends transversely across the base of the tabs 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107 and 109 to allow them to be easily torn from the panel 22. Tabs 99 and 104 are not crossed by the perforated lines 111 or 113. A perforated corner 115 is formed on the lateral edge of the tab 90 while a similar perforated corner 117 is formed on the lateral edge of the tab 105. As indicated by the stippling, the tabs 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97,98, 99,100,101,102,103,104,105,106,107, 108 and 109 have glue thereon securing them to the respective tabs 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78 and 79 of the match combs 25 and 26. As indicated in FIG. 6, the outside surfaces of the tabs 90 through 104 are knurled or have suitable gripping surfaces formed thereon to aid in the pulling of the joined tabs 60 and 90, 61 and 91, 62 and 92, 63 and 93, 64 and 94, 65 and 95, 66 and 96, 67 and 97, 68 and 98, 69 and 99, 70 and 100, 71 and 101, 72 and 102, 73 and 103, 74 and 104, 75 and 105, 76 and 106, 77 and 107, 78 and 108 and 79 and 109, with the respective matches 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 31, 33, 35, 37,

39, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49,40, 42, 44, 46 and 48 from the matchbook.

Also the panel 21 has foldable tabs or strips 120, 122, 124, 126 and 128 formed by appropriate cuts, and the panel 22 has foldable tabs or strips 131, 133, 135, 137 and 139 formed by similar cuts. The tabs 120, 122, I24, 126 and 128 have the same width as the respective matches 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 and extend longitudinally along the respective matches 30, 32. 34, 36 and 38 terminating in severed ends near the heads 27. Similarly, the tabs 131, 133, 135, 137 and 139 have the same width as the respective matches 41, 43, 45, 47 and 49 and extend longitudinally along the respective 4 matches 41, 43, 45, 47 and 49 terminating in severed ends near the heads 27.

An igniting strip 141 is formed transversely across the panel 21 between the perforated line 111 and the tabs 120, 122, 124, 126 and 128. and an igniting strip 143 is formed transversely across the panel 22 between the perforated line 113 and'the tabs 131, 133, 135, 137 and 139. Similar igniting strips 145 and 147 are formed transversely across the respective match combs 25 and 26, generally in alignment with the respective igniting strips 141 and 143. The igniting strips 141, 143, 145 and 147 are formed by depositing a suitable igniting material capable of igniting the safety match material in the heads 27 when heads 27 are rubbed against one of the igniting strips 141, 143, 145 and 147.

A display paper indicated generally at 151 is formed of a thin paper cut to form extending strips 160, 162, 164, 166 and 168 aligned with the tabs 120, 122, 124, 126 and 128, and strips 171, 173, 175, 177 and 179 aligned with the respective tabs 131, 133, 135, 137 and 139. The central portion of the display paper 151 is attached by glue as indicated by the stippling to the head panel 23 of the cover 20. The ends of the strips 160, 162, 164, 166 and 168 and the ends of the tabs 120, 122, 124, 126 and 128 have glue thereon securing them to the respective matches 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 near the heads 27. Similarly, the ends of the strips 171, 173. 175, 177 and 179 and the ends of the tabs 131, 133, 135, 137 and 139 have glue on the extreme ends thereof securing them to the respective matches 41, 43, 45, 47 and 49 near the heads 27.

The tabs 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 131, 133, 135, 137 and 139 have lengths designed to be folded as illustrated in FIGS. 8, 9 and 11, when the matches are pulled from the matchbook to engage any match in the match comb underlying or overlying the pulled match and to engage the opposite panel 21 or 22 to form a barrier between the igniting strips 141, 143, 145 and 147 and the portion of the cover 20 surrounding the heads 27. The strips 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 171, 173, 175, 177 and 179 are folded and have lengths which when pulled by the pulling of the matches 30, 32, 34, 36, 38. 41, 43, 45, 47 and 49 from the matchbook extend over windows formed in the panels 21 and 22 by folding in the respective tabs 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 131, 133,135, 137 and 139.

As shown in FIG. 10, the strips 160, 162, 164, 166, 168, 171, 173, 175, 177 and 179 have indicia, such as numbers, printed thereon in a manner to be displayed through the windows formed in the panels 21 and 22 when the tabs 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 131, 133, 135, 137 and 139 are folded into the panels 21 and 22 by the pulling of the matches 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 41, 43, 45,

47 and 49 from the matchbook.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the matches 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 41, 43, 45, 47 and 49 has a scoreline 182 formed in an outer surface layer of paper separating the portions of the matches which are glued to the tabs 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 131, 133, 135, 137 and 139 and strips 160, 162, 164, I66, 168, 171, 173, 175, 177 and 179 from the heads 27 of the matches.

In use of the matchbook shown in FIG. 1, perforated corners and 117 are first removed. The matchbook is held between fingers in one hand pressing the panels 21 and 22 against the matches 30 and 40 in the area of the igniting strips 141, 143, and 147. Gripping the long tabs 60 and 90 with fingers in the other hand and pulling the tabs 60 and 90 away from the cover along a straight line extending lengthwise of the match 30 results in the tearing away of the tab 90 from the panel 21 and the tearing of the tear portion 51 joining the match 30 to the match 31. The match 30 is ignited as it is pulled quickly from between the panels 21 and 22 along the straight line extending lengthwise of the match 30.

The matches in the matchbook are to be removed in a predetermined order, beginning with the match 30. The order is apparent from the unscored tabs 99 and 104 and the perforated corners 115 and 117 as well the alternate long and short tabs. The first match 30 to be removed is the match'with the long tab 60 next to the perforated corners 115 and 117, while the last match to be removed is the match 39 with the short tab 69 glued to the unscored short tab 99. A match which is still connected on both sides by tear portions 51 cannot be removed since the pull tabs 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 76, 77, 78 and 79 have tensile strengths less than the sums of the shear strengths of two tear portions 51 and will tear off if the immediately adjoining match has not been removed. Further, the long pull tab, for example 60, is easier to grip and pull than the short pull tab, for example 105, of overlying pull tabs. Thus the matches are to be removed in the order 30, 40, 41, 31, 32, 42, 43, 33, 34, 44, 45, 35, 36, 46, 47, 37, 38, 48, 49 and 39.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 7 and 8, in pulling the match 34 from the matchbook after removal of the matches 30, 31, 32, 33, 40, 41, 42 and 43, the tab 92 is torn at the scoreline 111 when the tabs 62 and 92 are gripped and pulled along a straight line extending lengthwise of the match 34. As the match 34 is pulled to the left, the foldable tab 124 is bent and pulled into the cover while the strip 164 is pulled over the window left in the panel 21 by the folding of the tab 124. Subsequently, the glued ends of the tab 124 and strip 164 are torn from the match 34, for example, by ripping the outer layer of paper on the match 34. The scoreline 182 prevents the ripping of the outer layer of paper past the scoreline 182 to the head 27 of the match 34. The head 27 of the match 27 passes between the igniting strips 141 and 147 where the pressure from fingers results in a rubbing of the head 27 of the match 34 against the igniting strips 141 and 147 causing ignition of the match 34. The tab 124 under its resilient force engages the match 44 forming a barrier above match 44.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, pulling of the match 44 from the matchbook results in the tab 124 bending under its resilient force against the cover 22. As shown in FIG. 11, the interleaved nature of the tabs 120, 131, 122, 133, 124, 135 and 126 produces a substantial barrier between the igniting strips 141 and 143 and the interior portion of the cover vacated by removal of the heads 27 of pulled matches; thus sparks and ignited loose particles are impeded from falling into engagement with the heads 27 of unused matches. Having the fold tabs 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 131, 133,135,137 and 139 attached to the respective matches with the long pull tabs, results in a respective fold tab being pulled in, for example 137 in FIG. 11, to form a barrier when the first match of a pair of overlying matches is pulled from the matchbook.

As shown in FIG. 10, the pulling of the strip 164 over the window formed by the folding in the tab 124 exposes the indicia printed thereon. lndicia, such as numbers, can be employed in contests of chance such as the winning of a prize for a certain number; this will prompt match users to avoid discarding matchbook covers depleted of matches until winning numbers can be compared; thus tending to prevent litter from discarded matchbook covers. Also contests can be of significant commercial importance in attracting and retaining customers.

It is particularly advantageous in pull matchbooks that the tabs 60 through 79 and the tabs 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 131,133, 135, 137 and 139 are formed in the cover 20 and are glued to the respective matches 30 through 49. Tabs glued to the matches support the matches within the cover until they are individually pulled from the cover. Also the tabs 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 131,133,135, 137 and 139 tend to guide the respective matches 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 41, 43, 45, 47 and 49 during an initial portion of their being pulled from the matchbook.

The matchbook has significant safety factors in that the match heads are not engaged with fingers during ignition, rather the match heads are still within the cover 20 during ignition; this avoids burning of the users fingers which can result in the dropping of a burning match causing an unwanted fire. Also, the cover 20 at all times surrounds the heads 27 of unused matches substantially impeding any ignition of a large group of matches which can result in a large dangerous flame; the cover 20 tends to smother, or at least control, any ignition of a large number of unused covered matches. Small children, generally, do not possess the coordination or ability to ignite matches using the present matchbook; small children will tend to tear off the pull tabs 60 through 79 rather than pulling a specific match along a straight line extending lengthwise of the match as required; also small children will tend to hold the match cover near the heads 27 of the matches which would not result in ignition of the matches should a child be successful in pulling a match from the matchbook.

Another advantage of the present matchbook is that it can be manufactured using equipment similar to the equipment employed in the prior art manufacture of the common fold-open cover paper matchbooks. The match combs 25 and 26 and the cover 20 can be made by techniques similar to techniques employed in the manufacture of prior art matchbooks. Also it is noted that the quantity of paperboard used in the match combs 25 and 26 and the cover 20 is about the same quantity as used in the common prior art matchbooks. Thus, there is made possible a pull out paper matchbook offering significant improved safety features which does not have the deficiencies of significantly high cost and unreliability that were characteristics of prior art pull out paper matchbooks.

The present matchbook is shown as having the display paper 151. In a modified matchbook, the display paper 151 can be eliminated and the indicia printed on the inside of the panels 21 and 22 opposite to the windows formed by the folding in of the tabs 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 131, 133, 135, 137 and 139. Accordingly, since many modifications, changes of detail, and variations can be made to the present embodiment, it is intended that all matter in the foregoing description and shown in the drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said plurality of matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the pull tabs,

a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb,

an igniting strip on the inside of the folded paperboard cover transverse to the plurality of matches and adjacent the other ends of the plurality matches, and

said paperboard cover having a plurality of tabs cut therein to extend longitudinally along portions of selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches.

2. A matchbook as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover tabs are formed on ends of the paperboard cover 7 and are glued to the pull tabs of the selected matches.

3. A matchbook as claimed in claim 2 wherein the paperboard cover has a perforated corner contiguous a first cover tab' of said cover tabs.

4. A matchbook as claimed invclaim 2 wherein the cover has a transverse score line across the base of the cover tabs for allowing the cover tabs to be torn from the paperboard cover.

5. A matchbook as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover tabs are formed in the cover intermediate to the one and other ends of the plurality of matches with the cover tabs glued to the selected matches toward the heads of the selected matches, said cover tabs being capable of being folded internally in the cover as the selected matches are withdrawn lengthwise from the cover to form a barrier to sparks caused by rubbing of an ignition head against the igniting strip.

6. A matchbook as claimed in claim 5 wherein the selected matches have a scoreline between the head and the portions of the selected matches glued to the ends of the cover tabs for preventing the ripping ofa surface layer of paper to the heads of the selected matches.

7. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other ends,

a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb,

an igniting strip on the inside of the folded paperboard cover transverse to the matches and adjacent the other ends of the matches,

said paperboard cover having a plurality of tabs cut therein to extend longitudinally along portions of selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches, and

each of said tear portions joining the matches having a shear strength in the range from one-half to one times the tensile strength of a respective pull tab.

8. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other end,

a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb, and

an igniting strip on the inside of the folded paperboard cover transverse to the matches and adjacent to the other ends of the matches,

adjacent ones of said pull tabs having different lengths, and

said paperboard cover having a plurality of tabs cut therein to extend longitudinally along portions of selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches.

9. A matchbook as claimed in claim 8 wherein each of said tear portions joining the matches has a shear strength in the range from one-half to one times the tensile strength of a respective pull tab.

10. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end. said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other ends,

a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb,

an igniting strip on the inside of the folded paperboard cover transverse to the matches and adjacent to the other ends of the matches,

said paperboard cover having a window formed therein, and

indicating means within the cover and which is exposed through said window only when said matches are pulled from said cover.

11. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other ends,

a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb,

an igniting strip on the inside of the folded paperboard cover transverse to the matches and adjacent to the other ends of the matches,

said paperboard cover having windows formed therein, and

indicating means adapted to be exposed through said windows when said matches are pulled from said cover,

said paperboard cover having a plurality o longitudinal tabs cut therein intermediate the one and other ends of selected matches,

said longitudinal tabs having ends extending along portions of the selected matches toward the heads of the matches with the ends of the longitudinal tabs glued to the matches, and

said longitudinal tabs being capable of being folded internally in the cover as the selected matches are withdrawn lengthwise to form the windows to expose said indicating means.

12. A matchbook comprising a pair of paperboard match combs, each match comb having longitudinal cuts therein forming a plurality of matches joined by uncut portions forming tear portions between the matches.

said matches having safety ignition heads at one end of the matches and having pull tabs formed at the other end of the matches, said match combs being formed with alternate matches extending outward on opposite sides of the match combs,

said pull tabs having alternate lengths progressing through the width of th'm'ateh combs witha short pull tab of onematch comb overlying a long pull tab of the other match comb;

said long pull tabs being on matches extending outward on opposite sides of the folded combs,

a folded cover having side panels folded at scorelines on opposite sides of a head panel, said side panels extending longitudinally over the match combs with staples oining the side panels near opposite lateral edges of the match combs,

said side panels having long and short tabs formed on the extending ends of the panels corresponding to the respectivelong and short pull tabs formed on the match combs, I

said long and short tabs on said side panels being glued to the respective long and short pull tabs on said matches,

a scoreline formed at the base of said long and short tabs on the side panels for allowing the long and short tabs on the side panels to be torn from the cover when respective pull tabs on the matches are pulled.

a plurality of foldable tabs formed in the side panels of the cover intermediate the ends of the pull tabs and the heads of matches, ends of said foldable tabs extending longitudinally toward the heads of the matches, said foldable tabs overlying the alternate outward extending matches,

an indicator paper having strips with ends glued between the ends of the foldable tabs of the covers and the outward extending matches,

said foldable tabs being capable of folding inward in the cover to display the strips through windows formed by the folding in of the foldable tabs when the matches are pulled from between the panels,

transverse igniting strips on the inside surfaces of the side panels and in the inside surfaces of the match combs adjacent the pull tabs of the matches, and

said foldable tabs having a length capable of forming a wall between the igniting strips and the heads of the matches when the matches are pulled from the matchbook.

13. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said plurality of matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the pull tabs,

at paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb,

an igniting strip on the folded paperboard cover, and

said paperboard cover having a plurality of tabs cut therein to extend longitudinally along portions of selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches.

14. A matchbook as claimed in claim 13 wherein said cover tabs are formed on ends of the paperboard cover and are glued to the pull tabs of the selected matches.

, 15. A match book as claimed in claim 14 wherein the paperboard cover has a perforated corner contiguous a first cover tab of said cover tabs.

16. A matchbook as claimed in claim 14 wherein the cover has a transverse score line across the base of the cover tabs for allowing the cover tabs to be torn from the paperboard cover.

17. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches,

each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other ends,

a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb,

an igniting strip on the folded paperboard cover said paperboard cover having a plurality of tabs cut therein to extend longitudinally along portions of selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches, and

1 each of said tear portions joining the matches having a shear strength in the range, from one-half to ones times the tensile strength of a respective pull tab.

18. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other end,

a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb, and

an igniting strip on the folded paperboard cover,

adjacent ones of said pull tabs having different lengths, and

said paperboard cover having a plurality of tabs cut therein to extend longitudinally along portions of selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches.

19. A matchbook as claimed in claim 18 wherein each of said tear portions joining the matches has a shear strength in the range from one-half to one times the tensile strength of a respective pull tab.

20. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other ends,

a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb,

an igniting strip on the folded paperboard cover,

said paperboard cover having a window formed therein, and

indicating means within the cover adapted to be exposed through said window only when said matches are pulled from said cover.

21. A matchbook as claimed in claim 20 wherein said paperboard cover has a plurality of longitudinal tabs cut therein intermediate the one and other ends of selected matches,

said longitudinal tabs having ends extending along portions of the selected matches toward the heads of the matches with the ends of the longitudinal tabs glued to the matches.

said longitudinal tabs being capable of being folded internally in the cover as the selected matches are withdrawn lengthwise to form windows to expose said indicating means 22. A matchbook comprising a pair of paperboard match combs, each match comb having longitudinal cuts therein forming a plurality of matches joined by uncut portions forming tear portions between the matches,

said matches having safety ignition heads at one end of the matches and having pull tabs formed at the other end of the matches,

said match combs being formed with alternate matches extending outward on opposite sides of the match combs,

said pull tabs having alternate lengths progressing through the width of the match combs with a short pull tab of one match comb overlying a long pull tab of the other match comb,

said long pull tabs being on matches extending outward on opposite sides of the folded combs,

a folded cover having side panels folded at scorelines on opposite sides of a head panel, said side panels extending longitudinally over the match combs with staples joining the side panels near opposite lateral edges of the match combs,

said side panels having long and short tabs formed on 12 the extending ends of the panels corresponding to the respective long and short pull tabs formed on the match combs.

said long and short tabs on said side panels being glued to the respective long and short pull tabs on said matches,

a scoreline formed at the base of said long and short tabs on the side panels for allowing the long and short tabs on the side panels to be torn from the cover when respective pull tabs on the matches are pulled,

a plurality of foldable tabs formed in' the side panels of the cover intermediate the ends of the pull tabs and the heads of matches, ends of said foldable tabs extending longitudinally toward the heads of the matches, said foldable tabs overlying the alternate outward extending matches an indicator paper having strips with ends glued between the ends of the foldable tabs of the covers and the outward extending matches,

said foldable tabs being capable of folding inward in the cover to display the strips through windows formed by the folding in of the foldable tabs when the matches are pulled from between the panels, and

transverse igniting strips on the side panels. 

1. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said plurality of matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the pull tabs, a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb, an igniting strip on the inside of the folded paperboard cover transverse to the plurality of matches and adjacent the other ends of the plurality matches, and said paperboard cover having a plurality of tabs cut therein to extend longitudinally along portions of selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches.
 2. A matchbook as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover tabs are formed on ends of the paperboard cover and are glued to the pull tabs of the selected matches.
 3. A matchbook as claimed in claim 2 wherein the paperboard cover has a perforated corner contiguous a first cover tab of said cover tabs.
 4. A matchbook as claimed in claim 2 wherein the cover has a transverse score line across the base of the cover tabs for allowing the cover tabs to be torn from the paperboard cover.
 5. A matchbook as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cover tabs are formed in the cover intermediate to the one and other ends of the plurality of matches with the cover tabs glued to the selected matches toward the heads of the selected matches, said cover tabs being capable of being folded internally in the cover as the selected matches are withdrawn lengthwise from the cover to form a barrier to sparks caused by rubbing of an ignition head against the igniting strip.
 6. A matchbook as claimed in claim 5 wherein the selected matches have a scoreline between the head and the portions of the selected matches glued to the ends of the cover tabs for preventing the ripping of a surface layer of paper to the heads of the selected matches.
 7. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other ends, a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb, an igniting strip on the inside of the folded paperboard cover transverse to the matches and adjacent the other ends of the matches, said paperboard cover having a plurality of tabs cut therein to extend longitudinally along portions of selected matches with Portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches, and each of said tear portions joining the matches having a shear strength in the range from one-half to one times the tensile strength of a respective pull tab.
 8. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other end, a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb, and an igniting strip on the inside of the folded paperboard cover transverse to the matches and adjacent to the other ends of the matches, adjacent ones of said pull tabs having different lengths, and said paperboard cover having a plurality of tabs cut therein to extend longitudinally along portions of selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches.
 9. A matchbook as claimed in claim 8 wherein each of said tear portions joining the matches has a shear strength in the range from one-half to one times the tensile strength of a respective pull tab.
 10. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other ends, a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb, an igniting strip on the inside of the folded paperboard cover transverse to the matches and adjacent to the other ends of the matches, said paperboard cover having a window formed therein, and indicating means within the cover and which is exposed through said window only when said matches are pulled from said cover.
 11. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other ends, a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb, an igniting strip on the inside of the folded paperboard cover transverse to the matches and adjacent to the other ends of the matches, said paperboard cover having windows formed therein, and indicating means adapted to be exposed through said windows when said matches are pulled from said cover, said paperboard cover having a plurality o longitudinal tabs cut therein intermediate the one and other ends of selected matches, said longitudinal tabs having ends extending along portions of the selected matches toward the heads of the matches with the ends of the longitudinal tabs glued to the matches, and said longitudinal tabs being capable of being folded internally in the cover as the selected matches are withdrawn lengthwise to form the windows to expose said indicating means.
 12. A matchbook comprising a pair of paperboard match combs, each match comb having longitudinal cuts therein forming a plurality of matches joined by uncut portions forming tear portions between the matches, said matches having safety ignition heads at one end of the matches and having pull tabs formed at the other end of the matches, said match combs being formed with alternate matches extending outward on opposite sides of the match combs, said pull tabs having alternate lengths progressing through the width of the match combs with a short pull tab of one match comb overlying a long pull tab of the other match comb, said long pull tabs being on matches extending outward on opposite sides of the folded combs, a folded cover having side panels folded at scorelines on opposite sides of a head panel, said side panels extending longitudinally over the match combs With staples joining the side panels near opposite lateral edges of the match combs, said side panels having long and short tabs formed on the extending ends of the panels corresponding to the respective long and short pull tabs formed on the match combs, said long and short tabs on said side panels being glued to the respective long and short pull tabs on said matches, a scoreline formed at the base of said long and short tabs on the side panels for allowing the long and short tabs on the side panels to be torn from the cover when respective pull tabs on the matches are pulled, a plurality of foldable tabs formed in the side panels of the cover intermediate the ends of the pull tabs and the heads of matches, ends of said foldable tabs extending longitudinally toward the heads of the matches, said foldable tabs overlying the alternate outward extending matches, an indicator paper having strips with ends glued between the ends of the foldable tabs of the covers and the outward extending matches, said foldable tabs being capable of folding inward in the cover to display the strips through windows formed by the folding in of the foldable tabs when the matches are pulled from between the panels, transverse igniting strips on the inside surfaces of the side panels and in the inside surfaces of the match combs adjacent the pull tabs of the matches, and said foldable tabs having a length capable of forming a wall between the igniting strips and the heads of the matches when the matches are pulled from the matchbook.
 13. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said plurality of matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the pull tabs, a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb, an igniting strip on the folded paperboard cover, and said paperboard cover having a plurality of tabs cut therein to extend longitudinally along portions of selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches.
 14. A matchbook as claimed in claim 13 wherein said cover tabs are formed on ends of the paperboard cover and are glued to the pull tabs of the selected matches.
 15. A match book as claimed in claim 14 wherein the paperboard cover has a perforated corner contiguous a first cover tab of said cover tabs.
 16. A matchbook as claimed in claim 14 wherein the cover has a transverse score line across the base of the cover tabs for allowing the cover tabs to be torn from the paperboard cover.
 17. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other ends, a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb, an igniting strip on the folded paperboard cover said paperboard cover having a plurality of tabs cut therein to extend longitudinally along portions of selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches, and each of said tear portions joining the matches having a shear strength in the range from one-half to ones times the tensile strength of a respective pull tab.
 18. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other end, a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb, and an igniting strip on the folded paperboard cover, adjacent ones of said pull tabs having different lengths, and said paPerboard cover having a plurality of tabs cut therein to extend longitudinally along portions of selected matches with portions of the cover tabs glued to the selected matches.
 19. A matchbook as claimed in claim 18 wherein each of said tear portions joining the matches has a shear strength in the range from one-half to one times the tensile strength of a respective pull tab.
 20. A matchbook comprising a paperboard comb having a plurality of matches, each match having an ignition head at one end and a pull tab formed at the other end, said matches being joined by tear portions adjacent the other ends, a paperboard cover folded over the ignition heads of the paperboard comb and secured together on opposite lateral edges of the paperboard comb, an igniting strip on the folded paperboard cover, said paperboard cover having a window formed therein, and indicating means within the cover adapted to be exposed through said window only when said matches are pulled from said cover.
 21. A matchbook as claimed in claim 20 wherein said paperboard cover has a plurality of longitudinal tabs cut therein intermediate the one and other ends of selected matches, said longitudinal tabs having ends extending along portions of the selected matches toward the heads of the matches with the ends of the longitudinal tabs glued to the matches, said longitudinal tabs being capable of being folded internally in the cover as the selected matches are withdrawn lengthwise to form windows to expose said indicating means.
 22. A matchbook comprising a pair of paperboard match combs, each match comb having longitudinal cuts therein forming a plurality of matches joined by uncut portions forming tear portions between the matches, said matches having safety ignition heads at one end of the matches and having pull tabs formed at the other end of the matches, said match combs being formed with alternate matches extending outward on opposite sides of the match combs, said pull tabs having alternate lengths progressing through the width of the match combs with a short pull tab of one match comb overlying a long pull tab of the other match comb, said long pull tabs being on matches extending outward on opposite sides of the folded combs, a folded cover having side panels folded at scorelines on opposite sides of a head panel, said side panels extending longitudinally over the match combs with staples joining the side panels near opposite lateral edges of the match combs, said side panels having long and short tabs formed on the extending ends of the panels corresponding to the respective long and short pull tabs formed on the match combs, said long and short tabs on said side panels being glued to the respective long and short pull tabs on said matches, a scoreline formed at the base of said long and short tabs on the side panels for allowing the long and short tabs on the side panels to be torn from the cover when respective pull tabs on the matches are pulled, a plurality of foldable tabs formed in the side panels of the cover intermediate the ends of the pull tabs and the heads of matches, ends of said foldable tabs extending longitudinally toward the heads of the matches, said foldable tabs overlying the alternate outward extending matches, an indicator paper having strips with ends glued between the ends of the foldable tabs of the covers and the outward extending matches, said foldable tabs being capable of folding inward in the cover to display the strips through windows formed by the folding in of the foldable tabs when the matches are pulled from between the panels, and transverse igniting strips on the side panels. 